Geologic Hazards: Landslides

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

A housing developer is planning a new community on a slope-adjacent land. Which combination of geological assessments and engineering solutions would be the MOST comprehensive for mitigating landslide risks?

  • Comprehensive geotechnical investigation, slope stability analysis, deep foundation systems and advanced surface and subsurface drainage systems. (correct)
  • Historical landslide data review, slope stabilization with retaining walls, and implementing a basic surface water drainage system.
  • Superficial soil analysis, vegetation planting and shallow foundations.
  • Visual inspection of the slope, avoiding construction on steep sections, and informing future residents about potential risks.

Which scenario presents the highest risk of a translational landslide?

  • A rapid movement of debris along a planar surface, following intense rainfall on a slope with a preexisting weak layer. (correct)
  • A rotational slide near the summit of a mountain, with a well-defined scarp and visible accumulation at the toe.
  • The gradual downslope movement of soil and rock fragments, characterized by tilted trees and bent fences.
  • A slow-moving slide with a curved slip surface, occurring after a period of moderate rainfall.

What are the implications of land subsidence on coastal communities and infrastructure?

  • Beneficial, as it creates new land for development and enhances the aesthetic value of coastal areas.
  • Minimal, as the process is gradual and predictable, allowing for timely adjustments in infrastructure.
  • Significant, increasing the risk of flooding, saltwater intrusion, and damage to buildings and utilities, which can lead to displacement and economic losses. (correct)
  • Neutral, as the effects are localized and do not impact the broader ecosystem or regional economy.

How does the presence of a soluble bedrock, such as limestone, influence the likelihood of ground collapse, and what specific measures can mitigate this risk??

<p>It increases the risk due to dissolution leading to cavity formation. Mitigation includes comprehensive hydrogeological studies and controlled drainage systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a region prone to both slow land subsidence and sudden ground collapse, which integrated strategy would be the MOST effective for long-term hazard management and risk reduction?

<p>Implementing a combination of continuous ground deformation monitoring, strict land-use regulations, groundwater management, and infrastructure reinforcement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the potential cascading impacts of a geologic hazard on a community's infrastructure and economy?

<p>A large-scale land subsidence event that damages critical infrastructure, disrupts transportation networks, and leads to business closures and property devaluation across the region. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would the removal of vegetation on a steep slope affect the likelihood and magnitude of mass movement events?

<p>It would increase the risk by removing the root systems that provide slope stability, potentially leading to more frequent and larger landslides. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a rotational landslide from a translational landslide in terms of mechanism, slip surface, and potential impact?

<p>Rotational landslides involve movement along a curved slip surface and are generally less dangerous, while translational landslides move along a planar surface and can be more extensive and damaging. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can communities utilize remote sensing technologies and data analytics to proactively manage the risks associated with land subsidence and ground collapse??

<p>By using satellite-based InSAR to monitor ground deformation, combined with data analytics to identify high-risk areas and inform targeted interventions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in land use and urbanization patterns influence the occurrence and severity of ground collapse in susceptible areas?

<p>They increase the risk by adding weight and pressure to the ground, altering drainage patterns, and potentially weakening subsurface support structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an area prone to landslides, what factors MOST significantly contribute to the destabilization of slopes?

<p>Excessive rainfall, deforestation, and improper land use practices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A coastal community is experiencing increasing incidents of property damage due to land subsidence. What combination of factors is MOST likely contributing to this issue?

<p>Over-extraction of groundwater, rising sea levels, and construction of large buildings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A geological survey reveals that a planned construction site is located above a soluble limestone formation. What specific risks should engineers anticipate, and what preventative measures should they implement?

<p>Risk of ground collapse due to cavity formation; conduct thorough geological surveys and implement ground stabilization techniques. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you observe tilted poles, soil ripples, and fences out of alignment, what type of mass movement is MOST likely occurring?

<p>Creep (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which preventive measure is MOST effective in reducing the risk of ground collapse in areas with soluble bedrock?

<p>Implementing strict groundwater management and controlled drainage systems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does urbanization typically exacerbate the risk of ground collapse in susceptible areas?

<p>By increasing the weight and pressure on the ground, leading to soil compaction and subsurface instability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In landslide-prone regions, what role does comprehensive risk assessment play in community planning and resilience?

<p>It helps in identifying high-risk areas, informing land-use policies, and designing appropriate mitigation measures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST direct consequence of deforestation on the stability of slopes in mountainous regions?

<p>Increased risk of landslides due to the loss of root reinforcement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does monitoring ground deformation contribute to reducing the impacts of land subsidence and ground collapse?

<p>By allowing for the timely detection of ground movement, enabling proactive measures to protect infrastructure and communities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What combination of factors makes translational landslides particularly dangerous??

<p>Planar slip surface, rapid movement, and potential for long distances. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How could the disruption of natural drainage patterns due to construction activities affect slope stability in a hilly area??

<p>It could increase the risk of landslides and other mass movements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What immediate actions should a community take upon recognizing signs of an impending ground collapse?

<p>Conducting a detailed engineering study, implement controlled demolition and prepare for mass evacuation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between groundwater extraction and land subsidence??

<p>Excessive groundwater extraction leads to soil compaction and land subsidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A community wants to build a new housing development but is located near landslide prone areas. What steps should a builder take to reduce the hazard from their operation??

<p>Assess historic data about the area, perform a geotechnical investigation, reinforce the slopes with retaining walls, and construct surface / subsurface drainage systems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What steps should a scientist take to help study and report on Translational Landslides?

<p>Analyze debris found, report the speed and size, and measure any planar surfaces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between Land Subsidence and Ground Collapse?

<p>One is slow, the other is rapid. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do infrastructure projects that involve heavy construction and alteration of surface topography impact the potential for ground collapse in urban areas?

<p>They increase it by adding additional weight on the surrounding landscape. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can urbanization in densely populated areas intensify the effects of ground collapse??

<p>Contributing to a heavier load and pressure on the ground landscape in the areas that will be affected. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment is the biggest risk for eventual ground collapse?

<p>Limestone bedrock and rain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Geologic Hazards

Any geologic activity that can cause property and environmental damage as well as loss of life.

Mass Movement

A collective term for any land movement that occurs on a slope of a certain land formation.

Rotational Landslide

A type of landslide movement that typically occurs on a mountain slope with a curved shape.

Translational Landslide

Movement of material along a planar surface of weakness, like a fault or joint.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Land Subsidence

Gradual downward movement of the ground that may engulf the surrounding area.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ground Collapse

A geologic event where the ground suddenly collapses downward due to weakened ground strength.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Geologic hazards are geologic activities potentially causing property and environmental damage, as well as loss of life.
  • Common geohazards include mass movement, ground collapse, and ground subsidence.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify different geologic hazards.
  • Analyze the causes of geologic hazards.
  • Recognize the signs of an impending geologic hazard.

Essential Question

  • How can geologic hazards be prevented in communities?

Mass Movement

  • This is a collective term for any land movement on a slope.
  • Hazardous events include: landslide, topple, rockslide, avalanche, mudslide, rock fall, creep, and block slide.

Two Kinds of Landslides

  • Rotational landslides and translational landslides.

Rotational Landslides

  • These occur on mountain slopes with curved-shape features.
  • Rotational landslides are generally less dangerous than translational landslides.

Translational Landslides

  • Downslope movement of material occurs along a distinctive planar surface of weakness such as a fault, joint, or bedding plane.
  • Some of the largest and most damaging landslides are translational.
  • Also termed as a Planar Landslide.

Land Subsidence and Ground Collapse

  • Occurs when large amounts of groundwater have been withdrawn from certain types of rocks, such as fine-grained sediments.
  • Rock compacts because the water is partly responsible for holding the ground up.
  • When water is withdrawn, the rocks fall in on itself.

Land Subsidence

  • This is a geologic activity with a gradual, slow, downward movement of ground that may engulf the surrounding environment.

Ground Collapse

  • A geologic event where the ground suddenly collapses downward due to weakened ground strength.
  • Often occurs in heavily dense communities with massive infrastructures that exert heavy load and pressure on the ground.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Translational Motion Quiz
5 questions

Translational Motion Quiz

CoherentSchrodinger avatar
CoherentSchrodinger
Translational Equilibrium in Physics
10 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser